Archives for July 2014

Jul 15 2014

What Are Your Worship Team Standards?

I was in shock the moment I saw it.

There in the spotlight – a pack of cigarettes – protruding from the front pocket of our scheduled drummer.

I wasn’t leading worship, but I stood at the back and saw this happening right before my eyes.

This guy was new, for sure. He was a little rough around the edges with his personality. He had an older style. But we could deal with that because we were in need of drummers.

I wasn’t sure what to do. I pictured myself in the hot seat with my supervisor getting reprimanded for allowing this guy to play, let alone exposing his smoking habit for the whole church to see. [Read more…]

Jul 10 2014

#48: Empowering Creatives In Your Local Church: An Interview With Kurtis Parks

If you lead worship or plan services, you’re always looking for creative ideas.

It’s one thing to look for creative ideas. It’s another to create a culture where it happens on a regular basis – empowering the creative people in your church to create and serve the vision.

That’s what I discuss with Kurtis Parks – Worship Pastor at National Community Church.

Kurtis is doing a phenomenal job leading his team to create on a regular basis, write original songs, and serve their church with unity, excellence, creativity, and authenticity.

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[Read more…]

Jul 08 2014

Bob Sorge On Sexual Purity, Worshiping Through Trial, & The Current State Of Modern Worship

bob-sorge-bw_medium Few people have been speaking into the worship of the local church more consistently and more dynamically than Bob Sorge.

Ever since I read his landmark book Exploring Worship over a decade ago, I’ve been hooked on his writings. They’ve fed my spirit in my life’s darkest seasons.

If you’re not familiar with Bob’s story, Bob had a vocal injury during a surgery over 20 years ago that has left him in constant pain ever since. He can only speak for one hour a day before the pain takes over.

What happens to a pastor who can’t speak and a worship leader who can’t sing?

It’s incredible to see where God has brought Bob and the rich truth that comes forth in his teaching. I was able to ask him a few questions.

[Read more…]

Jul 02 2014

#47: Hillsong Worship on Healthy Team Culture, Leadership, Songwriting, And The New Album [Podcast]

It was my honor to talk with a few guys from Hillsong Worship.

We discuss a lot – the new album, a behind the scenes look at their worship teams, and their all-out passion for the name of Jesus.

Those talented lads are:

Dean Ussher – Creative Pastor at Hillsong Melbourne, songwriter, worship leader
Ben Fielding – Songwriter, Worship Leader, Tours, Based at Hillsong Sydney
Eric Liljero – Creative Pastor at Hillsong Stockholm, songwriter, worship leader

The Hillsong movement is truly extraordinary. What the world sees (and hears) is their music. But excellence, heart, and passion come through in all they do.

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[Read more…]

Jul 01 2014

A 5 Step Strategy For Introducing And Leading Your Original Worship Songs

There’s no hiding that I’m a fan of worship leaders writing original worship songs.

I wouldn’t say it’s a distinguishing, necessary skill for all worship leaders. You can still be an incredible worship leader in your church without ever writing a song.

However, I encourage everyone to try. You never know if there may be a gift inside that you’ve never allowed to grow.

With that being said, leading your own songs can be a sticky situation. So many doubts rush through our minds: [Read more…]